- The 2025 DFSA Graduate Programme reflects the regulator’s commitment to empowering young United Arab Emirates (UAE) Nationals to develop the skills and expertise they need to grow their careers in financial services.
- 57 UAE National graduates have benefited from the DFSA’s Graduate Programme since its inception.
- Investment in early-career development enables the regulator to build a pipeline of professionals who will influence the future of finance and contribute to shaping the sustainable growth, innovation, and diversification of the UAE’s economy.
The 2025 DFSA Graduate Programme aims to attract high-potential UAE National graduates and provide structured training to prepare them for impactful financial services and regulation careers.
Fadel Al Ali, Chairman of the DFSA, said: “Empowering and investing in young United Arab Emirates’ National talent is a priority for the DFSA. However, our Graduate Programme is more than a training initiative – it is a platform to prepare the next generation of financial services professionals who will ensure that the United Arab Emirates’ financial sector remains innovative, resilient, and globally competitive. I am proud to see the DFSA playing a key role in developing future United Arab Emirates’ National professionals who will help to shape the future of finance.”
The DFSA’s flagship Graduate Programme is designed to foster young UAE nationals’ professional growth and career progression. It combines on-the-job experience with dedicated structured training plans, mentorship, coaching, and the completion of industry-specific professional qualifications. The programme has been running successfully since 2006 and has contributed to building a steady flow of UAE National professionals who have gone on to work in various parts of the financial services sector, with many holding top roles in the UAE’s economic and government institutions and ministries.
Aisha Emara, DFSA Graduate Programme alumna and now Senior Manager, Markets, Strategy & Risk at the DFSA, commented: “The DFSA Graduate Programme is the perfect transition from academia to the work environment, as the comprehensive training pathway combines both theoretical and on-the-job experience. The programme also allows you to learn from talented and experienced international regulators, allowing you to build your network and develop your career in financial services regulation and beyond.”
The DFSA Graduate Programme, which will run for two consecutive years starting in September 2025, will provide participants with practical skills, global perspectives, and the foundations necessary to drive innovation, ensure market integrity, and promote sustainable economic growth.
Successful graduates can develop and apply a breadth of technical skills and knowledge across all DFSA regulatory activities. The programme will help them to build strong professional and leadership skills, gain valuable experience working in an internationally focused environment, and achieve industry-specific qualifications. This comprehensive early-career development will equip them to become future leaders within the UAE and the financial services sector.
“The DFSA’s focus on talent development through the 2025 Graduate Programme and other initiatives will continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring that the DIFC, Dubai, and the United Arab Emirates excels as a global centre for forward-thinking and innovative finance,” said Fadel Al Ali.
Join the 2025 DFSA Graduate Programme
If you are a UAE National who has recently graduated or is about to complete your studies, we encourage you to apply for the DFSA Graduate Programme. Applications are now open and will close on 30 June 2025. Candidates should apply via the DFSA website and include a detailed CV. Candidates who meet the DFSA’s selection criteria will be invited to participate in an interview and undertake aptitude and psychometric assessments at the DFSA office. Successful candidates will commence the programme in September 2025.
For more information on the DFSA Graduate Programme, click here.
